Signboard apparatus and method of assembly



April 6, 1965 v. D. RAMSEUR, JR 3,176,418

SIGNBOARD APPARATUS AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLY Filed July 25, 1960 3Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR VARDRY D. RAMSEUR, JR.

ATTORNEY.)`

- Apnl 6, 1965 v. D. RAMsEuR JR SIGNBOARD APPARATUS AND METHOD OFASSEMBLY Filed July 25, 1960 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG.3

April 6, 1965 v. D. RAMSEUR, JR 3,176,418

SIGNBOARD APPARATUS AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLY Filed July 25, 1960 3Sheets-Sheet 3 FIG.IO FIG.|2

VARDRY D. RAMSEUR, JR.

Ihm

ATTORNEYJ United States Patent Oflice 3,175,4l8 Patented Apr. 6, 19653,176,418 SIGNBOARD APPARATUS AND METHOD GF ASSEMBLY Vardry D. Ramseur,Jr., 212 Riverside Drive, Greenville, S.C. Filed July 25, 1960, Ser. No.45,117 7 Claims. (Cl. 40-125) The present invention relates to new andnovel signboard apparatus and method of assembly and disassemblythereof, and more particularly to a signboard apparatus which in effectprovides a completely portable kit type arrangement whereby thecomponents may be easily transported from place to place and thesignboard can be erected with a minimum of effort and in a minimumperiod of time.

For many years, the outdoor advertising industry has employed signboardsof heavy duty construction which have been permanently fixed inposition, and wherein posting of the signboards was of necessity carriedout at the signboard location, thereby requiring the workmen to carryall the necessary posting equipment to the location of each particularsignboard. In addition, such signboards are so constructed that theycannot be easily moved from one location to another, and it has not beeneconomically feasible to disassemble and move this type of signboard tovarious locations.

There has accordingly arisen a large demand for a signboard of the typecontemplated by the present invention wherein the signboard is composedof light-weight, easily separable components which may be quickly andeasily assembled and disassembled for erecting a signboard at anydesired position. The individual components are of such a size that theycan be easily handled by individual workmen, and furthermore can beeasily stored or transported when so desired.

The signboard construction of the present invention also employsremovable panel portions which are so lightweight that they can belifted even from the larger signboards by a pair of workmen, andaccordingly, it is completely feasible to post the panel portions in aworkshop, and then transport the posted panels to the signboardlocations and then quickly install the signboard panels in place. Thisof course results in substantial savings in labor since in-shop postingor painting of the panel sections is a highly efiicient method ofaccomplishing the posting procedures, and 'delays which ordinarily occurwith conventional outdoor posting due to bad weather are completelyavoided.

An important factor of the present invention is the concept of providinga structural arrangement which permits the signboard to be easilyconverted from a conventional standard bulletin signboard having trimdisposed peripherally about the posted portion of the signboard to atrimless or so-called full-bleed signboard. In this manner, :thestructure provides greater versatility and enables the apparatus toserve a dual function. The convertible feature of the present inventionis highly advantageous since it permits the apparatus to be employed inthe most eflicient manner according to the particular advertisingdisplay to be exhibited on the signboard panels, and it eliminates thenecessity of having two completely separate signboard structures forperforming the individual functions of the present invention. This ofcourse results in a substantial saving in cost, and provides a greatersales power for a given investment.

While the standard bulletin type signboard with trim is very popular inthe trade, the trimless type of signboard structure is enjoyingincreased popularity since the absence of the trim gives the effect ofunframed bigness which adds attention-impact to the signboard. Inaddition, the trimless type of signboard provides a smooth, modern,clean look which has great appeal in the advertising iield. Although theoverall appearance of the two types of signboard is quite different, thestructural arrangement of the present invention permits conversion ofeven very large signboards by two men in less than an hour.

A further advantage of the simple and effective arrangement of thepresent invention is the fact that the signboard may be easily adaptedfor cutouts and special effect components since there is no special trimto build around or over as is encountered in conventional signboardstructures. Furthermore, the light-weight components of the presentinvention may be quickly and easily assembled and disassembled inoperative position either in the standard bulletin trim arrangement orin the trimless full-bleed arrangement.

rl`rim bracket members may be detachably secured to the framework forsupporting more or less standard trim members in position thereon asdesired, and additionally a movable skirt means is supported at thelower portion of the framework to provide the desired finishedappearance.

An object of the present invention is to provide a new and novelsignboard apparatus which substantially reduces the equipment costs byserving as a dual function convertible arrangement which may be employedeither as a trimless or a trim signboard.

Another object of the invention is the provision of signboard apparatuswhich substantially reduces labor costs by permitting in-shop paintingor posting of the panels and which employs a lightweight easily handledand transported construction which can be assembled or disassembled in aminimum amount of time.

A further object of the invention is to provide signboard apparatuswhich is easily adapted for cutouts and specialeffect components.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide signboard apparatuswhich is quite simple and inexpensive in construction, and yet which issturdy and provides a neat appearance.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of a novelmethod of assembling a signboard structure which permits the structureto be assembled or disassembled in a very simple manner and with aminimum of effort.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a method of changinga signboard from a trim to a trimless arrangement or vice versa in avery `simple and effective manner.

Other objects and many attendant advantages of the present inventionwill become more apparent when considered in connection with aspecification and accompanying drawings wherein:

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an elevation of a standard bulletin signboard with trimaccording to the present invention and employing four portable panels,

FIG. 2 is an elevation of the supporting framework of the signboardshown in FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view partially broken away taken along line3 3 of FIG. l looking in the direction of the arrows,

FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating the sequence of assembling ofthe trim members and skirt members of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1,

FIG. 5 is an enlarged elevation of a portion of the structure shown inFIG. 2,

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5 lookingin the direction of the arrows,

FIG. 7 is a View similar to FIG. 3 showing the reversible bracketmembers in the reverse position as employed in a trimless full-bleedsignboardl arrangement,

FIG. Sis a perspective view illustratlng the position of the reversiblebracket'members when employed in a` standard bulletin trim arrangement,

leg portion 3s of theY vertical Vtions wherein itis desired to supportthe horizontalstring- FIG. 9 is a perspectivejview illustrating theposition of the reversible bracket members as vmounted injaV trim, lessfull-bleed signboard arrangement,..

FIG. 10 is Ya view partially in section yillustratingthe manner ofmounting the horizontal stringers of the framework on an I-beam verticalsupport member,v

FIG. 11 is a side view'of the structure'shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 illustrates the manner of mounting the horizontal stringers inVa wall structure, FIG. 15 illustrates the framework of a signboard'of l2is a Viewv partiallyr in section illustrating the,Y

ers Vor supportmembers. One of these openings y40 is shown in FIGS.l2'and 13, and the lfastening means yindicated generally by referencenumeral 41 extends through these openings .40. The fastening means 41comprises T-headed bolts including an elongated threaded shank 42 and/aT-headportion Q43 having stubby leg portions even larger dimensions thanthat Shown in FIGS. 1,-and

2, with the framework arranged for a full-bleed trimless signboard, f yK FIG. 16 illustrates schematically the sequence of mounting the trimmembers and skirt means on the yframework as shown in FIG. 15 when thesignboardY is to be of the Standard bulletin trim type. Y

Referring now tothe drawings wherein like reference .charactersdesignate corresponding partsrthroughout the Y several views, a standardbulletin signboard with trim is shown in FIG. 1 and is indicatedgenerally by reference numeral 20, the bulletin board including an outerperipheral trim indicated generally by reference numeral 21 surroundingthe display area which comprises iny this particular vcase four panelsindicated by referencer-numerals 22, 23, 24 and 25.'v These panels areformed of a Y llightweight portable construction, and are preferably ofthe type Shown in co-pending U.S. application S.N. 726,- 883, now PatentNo. 2,993,289... l

The framework which supports `the signboard shown inFIG, l isillustrated in FIG. 2 and includesV threeupstanding posts 26,- 27 and 28which are supportedin a substantially vertical position, and areseouredin fthe ground or other supporting surface. The posts 26-28 mayfor example comprisetypical wooden posts as ernployed in the signboardfield.

44 at theV opposite .endsthereof.

Each of the horizontal stringers 45 has a channelshaped configuration,and as seen clearly in FIG. 12, the T-head. portion 43 vof the-fastening means 41 is disposed within the channel-Shaped horizontalStringer with Vthe leg portions 44V in engagement with portions' of thehorizontal Stringer. A nut 46.is threaded on the shank 42 of thefastening means and engages against a washer 47 such that when the nut'is drawn up as shown in FIG. 12, the horizontal Stringer 45 is tightlyclamped against the leg portion V of the "vertical support member 30therebyv supporting the horizontal Stringer in operative VVpositionrelative to Vthe verticallsupport member. l

. v Referring back to FIG. 2 of the drawings, the verticalVsupport'mernbers .are each designated by reference numeral135, and themode of attachment thereof to the' associated posts'will be clearlyunderstood. The horizontal. stringer is illustrated, and it will beunderstood that the'reinaining horizontal stringers 50, 51 and 52 are .Yprovided with the same crosssectional configuration as Stringer `45, theremaining horizontal stringers having a slightly modified constructionas hereinafter pointed out,

but-infeachcase the horizontal stringersrare secured to the verticalsupport members by means' of similar fasteningmeans 41 as described -inconnection withFIGS. 12 andl3. ,n

It isimportant to noterat this point'that the basic framefworkarrangement is such' that 'thesize of' the signboard may be readilyadjusted merely by .adding additional simi lar components to the vbasicarrangement shown in FIG. 2 for example. In other words, it is evidentthat vmany additional posts may be provided in vertical spacedrar rrangement as shown' in FIG. 2. Thehorizontal'stringers are rformed insections, and as seen vin FIG. 2 the individual sections terminate andare in rabuttingrelationship` fwith one another at points indicatedr byreference nu- -Ymeral 55.'v The abutting 'horizontal Stringer sectionsare The various components ofthe present invention in-v cluding .theframework members aswell asA the various brackets, trim members `andpanels employed are all preferably formed of a very lightweight, .yetsturdy material. For example, the framework members yare preferablyformed of galvanized iron or the like which provides a lightweightarrangement and yet also Yensureadequate structural strength to resistthe Vloads whichare normally encountered in the field. The portablepanel members as Well .as the trim `members may be formed ofalightweight material such as aluminum. With this construction, .the

` entire arrangement is Areadily portable andthe signboard apparatus maybe effectively erected and dismantled by two men, and yet the apparatusiS quite `Sturdy and rigid.

Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 13, one typical manner of supporting thehorizontal and vertical Support memi 'bers of thefframework isillustrated. In these figures, one

of the posts 27 is illustrated, andra verticall support meml ber 30 isprovided, support member 30 havingv a first leg f portion 31 withaplurality of openings 32'formed therethough. A typical fastener suchasa lag bolt 33 is inserted throughone of 'the openings 32 and.extendsinto the post 27 for supporting the vertical Support member inoperative position. Y a ,Y i

Support member 'Sti `also includesa normally extending legportion Vwhichterminates in an inturned` flange portion 36. Spaced openingsare'provided through the connected toone another by Stringer splicemembersV indicated by referencelnumeral 56, the splicemembers having aconfigurationv substantially complementary to the internal channel shapeof the Stringer members, it being readily understood that these splicevmembers can be slidably kinserted inthe adjacent Yend portions ofabutting Y Stringerv members for securing the Stringer members to oneanother.' vIt isreadilyl apparent that any number of horizontalstringers can be so interconnected with one another as desired. Y

Referring now to FIG. `Itof the drawings, the framework structure isshown in greater'detail. Horizontal Strlnger S2 which as statedpreviously may be formed of any' number of individually connectedsections of similar Vconstruction includes an integral later-allyextending bottom rail portion 60 terminating in a small upturned flangen 61. This bottom rail 60 is adapted to support the-'portable panelportions of the Signboardin operativeposif tion, and yas illustrated thepanel-portionv22 includes a v face 63 upon which'the Yadvertisingmaterial may be l posted.' The panel alsoincludes a lower channel member64 which restsv onl the bottom Vrail 60, and includes an Y upper channelportion l65 at the upper end thereof. The

` f' panel further includes spaced locking bracketportions indicated byreference numerals `66 and 67.

The intermediateV horizontal stringers 50 and 51are of substantiallyidentical constructionV and include laterally extending portions 70 and'V71 respectively which terminate' 1n lateral flanges 70and 71. Theseflanges 70 and 71 are adapted to engage the downwardly depending lipportions of thelocking brackets 66 and 67 on the panel support member.at ,elevafor locking the panel to the horizontal stringers 50 and 51. Itwill be understood that each of the portable panels is of substantiallyidentical construction and is supported in a similar manner with respectto horizontal stringere 50, 51 and 52.

As seen in FIG. 2, a plurality of reversible bracket members 75 aresecured to spaced portions of the uppermost horizontal stringer 45.Referring to FIGS. 3 and 8, the cross-sectional configuration of thereversible brackets as shown in FIG. 2 will be more clearly understood.Each of the reversible brackets includes a main body portion 76 which isnormally disposed in a substantially vertical position, the bracketbeing attached to the associated stringer 45 by means of metal screws 77or the like which extend through a first pair of openings formed in bodyportion 76 and an aligned pair of openings formed in the horizontalStringer for securing the reversible bracket members in operativeposition. A second pair of openings 80 is also provided through the bodyportion 76 of the reversible bracket members for mounting the reversiblebracket members in the reverse operative position from that shown inFIGS. 3 and 8.

The reversible bracket members are provided at one edge portion with alaterally extending integral leg 81 which terminates in a leg portion 82extending substantially parallel to the main body portion 76 therebydelining a channel along this edge portion of the reversible bracketmember. Along the opposite edge portion of the bracket member, asubstantially normally extending leg portion 85 is provided whichterminates in a leg portion 86 which also extends substantially parallelto the main body portion 86, but extends away therefrom thereby defininga lip extending along the opposite edge portion of the reversiblebracket member.

In the operative position as shown in FIGS. 3 and 8, each of thereversible bracket members is so disposed that the channel portionthereof is adapted to receive the upper portion of the panels therebyretaining the upper ends of the panels in operative position. It will benoted that a space 90 is provided between the upper edge of the paneland the undersurface of the leg portion 81. This space permits thepanels to be lifted upwardly thereby releasing the locking portions ofthe panel and enabling the lower end of the panel to be swung out awayfrom the supporting rail 60 on the lowermost Stringer 52. In thismanner, the panels may be readily removed from the supporting framework,and it is obvious that the panels can be inserted into operativeposition by reversing the procedure.

Referring again to FIG. 2 of the drawings, it will be seen that aplurality of spaced upper trim bracket members 91 are secured to theuppermost horizontal stringer 45. As seen in FIG. 3, each of the uppertrim bracket members 91 includes an upstanding leg portion 92terminating in a laterally extending ange 93. Leg portion 92 also isprovided with a laterally extending lower leg 94 which in turn isconnected with a depending leg portion 95 which finally terminates in alaterally extending fiange portion 96.

The upper trim bracket members also each include an attaching portionindicated generally by reference numeral 100 including a leg portion 101which is riveted to the leg portion 92. Attaching portion 100 includes alaterally extending leg portion 102 and a depending leg portion 103provided with an opening therethrough for receiving the shank of aT-headed fastening means 41 as previously described. It is apparent thatthe fastening means 41 serves to support each of the upper trim bracketmembers 91 from the uppermost horizontal Stringer 45.

The trim members indicated generally by reference numeral 105 are of arelatively conventional configuration and have a cross-sectionalconfiguration which provides a pleasant finished appearance when mountedin operative position. The trim members 105 include a first laterallyextending portion 106 which is secured by nut and bolt members 107 tothe leg portion 93 of the upper trim support bracket 91. The trimmembers also include laterally extending portions 108 which are securedIby nut and bolt assemblies 109 to the flange portions 96 of the uppertrim support brackets.

Referring again to FIG. 2 of the drawings, a plurality of spaced lowertrim bracket support members 110 are provided at spaced positions alongthe lower most horizontal stringer S2. Referring to FIG. 3, each of thelower trim bracket members 110 includes a vertically extending legportion 111 which terminates in a laterally extending leg 112. A leg 113extends normally from the upper portion of leg 111 and in turn isconnected With a vertically extending leg portion 114 which terminatesin a laterally extending flange 115. An attaching means indicated byreference numeral 116 is secured to leg portion 111 by rivets 117 and issubstantially identical with the attaching means 110 previouslydescribed, and a fastening means 41 is provided for attaching each ofthe lower trim bracket members to the lowermost horizontal stringer 52as will be well understood.

The lower trim members 120 are of the same general configuration as theupper trim members 105, but the lateral dimensions of portions 121 and122 may be varied slightly in order to t over the portions 112 and 115of the lower trim support brackets. Portions 121 and 122 of the lowertrim members are secured to the portions 112 and 115 respectively of thelower trim brackets by means of nut and bolt assemblies 123 and 124.

Referring again to FIG. 2 of the drawings, it will be seen that sidetrim bracket members are secured to the outer ends of horizontalstringers 50 and 51. The uppermost side trim bracket 130 as seen on theright hand side of FIG. 2 is also provided with a wedge member 131attached by means of a flexible chain member 132 such that the wedgemember is always available and cannot be removed from the framework. Theconstruction of the side trim members and the wedge members will be moreclearly understood from an inspection of FIGS. 5 and 6. As seen in thesefigures, side trim members 130 include a laterally extending leg 135which terminates in a forwardly extending flange 136. A leg 137 alsoextends forwardly from leg portion 135, and is connected with alaterally extending leg portion 138 which finally terminates in aforwardly projecting fiange portion 139. An attaching member 140 isconnected to a leg portion by means of rivets 141, the inner portion ofattaching member being connected to the associated horizontal Stringer50 by means of nut and bolt assemblies 142.

Each of the side trim members is of the same general configuration asthe top and bottom trim members, and the portions 146 and 147 of theside trim members are connected to the portions 136 and 139 respectivelyof the side trim support brackets by means of nut and bolt assemblies14S and 149 respectively.

As seen especially in FIG. 6, the panel 25 includes a side channelmember 150, and it is evident that when the wedge 131 is drivendownwardly between the leg portion 137 of the side trim bracket 130 andthe channel portion 150 of the panel member 25, the panel member will bemoved toward the left as indicated by arrow A. By so utilizing the wedgemember, the panel members may be urged toward the left thereby causingthe panel members to be moved into abutting edge-to-edge relationship tothereby produce a smooth finished surface to the completed signboardsuch that no cracks or crevices will appear between the adjacent panels.

Referring again to FIG. 2, similar corner trim brackets 151 are securedto the opposite ends of the uppermost horizontal Stringer 45 and thelowermost horizontal Stringer 52. These corner trim bracket members aresimilar in construction to the side trim bracket members 130, the cornertrim bracket members having tapered ends for cooperating with slopingsurfaces formed on the corner trim members. The corner trim members areindicated by reference numeral 152 in FIG, 1, the

and includes signboard.

corner trim membersrbeing formed as arcuate portionsbut having the samegeneral cross-sectional conliguratiori asthe side trim members and thetop and bottom-trim members.

Referringagain to FIG. 2 of the drawings, ldownwardlyl extending Yskirtsupport brackets 155 are` secured to the lower endsl of each of lthevertical support members 355.

skirt support .brackets 155 is securedto4 the vertical sup- 'port member30 by means of nut and bolt assemblies A156 a laterallyextending flange157. A skirt means indicated by reference numeral 16) hasdepressedchannels 161 formed` longitudinally thereon, and 'nut and boltassemblies 162 .operatively connect the-fskirt means 160'to the skirtsupport brackets. As seen inl FIGS. 1

l'and 3,. the skirtmeansis supported immediately below the bottom trimmembers such that theV upper portion ofthe skirt means litssubstantially ush with the undersurface of the lower trim members. Itwill be understood that when the skirt means is to be moved upwardlyafter the trim membersare removed when the signboard is to be used asatrimless,type,'the skirt meansy will be As Vseen 1n FIG. 3, each'ofthese downwardly extending in the sequence indicated-by` the lettersapplied to the various sections ofr theti'im las'seen in FIG. 4. Themembers are assembled in alphabetical sequence,'or in other words Ithemembers indicated ,byA are first put in place, thefmembers indicated by/B are then put in place,-and.soonY in ,alphabetical order. The membersi of the skirt assembly indicatedby Gl are merely additionalcornerrmembersifor providing a neat'nished corattached to suitableopenings provided inthe leg portion r35. ofthe associated verticalVsnpport members. Y

When it'isdesired to employ the trimless arrangement, it is necessary toreverse the position 'ofthe reversi- Y ble bracket members 75. In orderto reverse the position of'the bracket members 75,'the` screws 77 areremoved, and the bracket members are turned over andV placed in theoperative position shown in FIGS.` 7 and l9. In this position, thechannel portion of the bracket memv ber faces away from the associatedpanels, andthe lip v .portion'including flange 86 is so disposed thatthe lip.

' portion extends into a groove formed in the upper portion of the panelfor supporting" thepanel in operative position. The bracket members `75are retained-in this re-Y f verse position by means of screws 77 whichextend through.

nerL edge for the skirt.. v

Referring now to FIG. 16 of the drawings, a schematic yView similar toFIG. v4 is illustrated, the signboard indicated schematcally in FIG. 16being one .assembled using the 'framework shown in FIG. 15. FIG. 16 maybe interpreted-in exactly ythe same manner as FIG.,4, it ybeingV*apparent from an inspection of this ligure as tothe exact Vsequence,of assembly of the various trim components at one vside thereof and ahorizontal stringer 180 is providedr with the same cross-sectionalchannel configuration as thehorizontal stringers previously described.In this case, a pair of attaching members 181 and 182 are provided,attaching members including a tongue 181' and182 respectively whichextends through the open slot ofthe channel-shaped Stringer. 180. .Asseen in FIG. 1l, the .attaching members 181 and 182 have a substantiallyj cup-shaped cross-sectional. configuration, and attaching means41aspreviously described extend through suitable openingsprovided throughmembers 181 and 182. It is evident that'whenY the attaching members 181and 182 are the second pair of openings as previouslyV describedY inconnection with FIG. 8.

YIt isevident that when the portable panelV 22 is supported as shown' inFIG. 7,.'the locking portion of stringers 50 and 51 willperform thesamefunction as previclamped in the operative position shown in FIG. .10,the remaining portions y176 and-*177 of theV I-beam 175 are tightlyclamped between the attachingV members andthe adjacent portions of thehorizontal Stringer 180.; In this manner, thehorizontal Stringer 180 issecurely clamped ously described, and the lower portionof the panel willl be supported on the lower rail'portion 60 of the'lowermosthorizontalstringer 52. Of course, when the device is to be employed as afull-bleed'trimless signboard, Vthe trim support brackets are removed,Vas well asV the vtrim members, and as seen in-FIG. 7, the' skirt meansV160 ismoved upwardly such that the rupper surface thereof issubstantially ush ywith the Vunclersnrface of string- Referring to FIG.15, a larger size signboard frame is illustrated wherein additionalsupport posts indicatedl byV reference numerals 170 and 171i have beenadded, and

additional sectionshave been added to each ofthe stringers y45, 5,0, 51Vand 52. It is evident thatadditional splice members 56 are employed inVthis case to secure the Stringer members to one another. The Asignboardpanels tothe vertical supporting I-beam 175; o v

YReferring now to FIG. 14 of the drawings, a further means 'of mountingla horizontal Stringer in operative position Vis illustrated. In thiscase, it is desired` to connect the horizontal Stringer to some wallportion indicated by `reference numeral-190. .This type of installationmay typically'occur when it is desired to mount a signboard on the-sideof a building, and ofcourse a wall portion 190 may be either wood ormasonry construction as the case may be.

YIn FIG. 14, the horizontal stringer is indicated by reference numeral191,.and an attaching bracket 192 is provided,rthis attaching bracketVbeing similar to the attaching bracket 30 provided iny fthemodication'shown ,in

" FIGS. l2 and 13 and being provided withan additional laterallyextending leg portion 193. A bolt 195 may be as associated with thissize signboard are indicated some- Y Y what schematically by the dottedline portion which also indicates the extent of the lower skirt means inorder that one may get a clearer picture of the outer extent of the Ysignboard structure when employed asa trimless typeV It is of courseevident that the trim support Y brackets have been removed from theframework in this instance, and the remaining structural componentsserve the same function, as disclosed previously Vin the aforedescribedstructure.

Referring now to FIG. 4 of the drawings, the sequence in which thevarious trim membersl andskirt members are assembled withv respectto oneanotheris Vschematically illustrated. The Yvarious trim sections are sodimensioned that Vthey overlap one another whereby they provide acompleteY and` continuous trim when disposed in operative position.The'various members are overlapped inserted through a suitable openingprovided in leg portion 1913V and extends into the wall portion 190,thereby supporting the bracket 192 in operative position, it beingunderstood that the bracket 192 may extend a considerable'distancevertically for supporting all of the horizontal stringermembers. It isalso evident that a plurality of bracket members 192 may be providedeach of .which supports only one of the'horizontal stringers, the

bracket members 192 in such a case being` spaced vertically from oneanother. Here again fastener members V41 are employed for securing thehorizontal VStringer to the vertical supportmember, fasteners 415 ofcourse passingk through a suitable opening provided in the` laterallyextending leg portion 194 of bracketsV 192.

' The manner of assembling thesignboard will be readjrily; apparent.iFirstly, the vertical support members are mounted on suitable supportportions. As described; the

vertical support members may be of various different constructions andmay be supported from 4various types of supporting surfaces such asupstanding posts, wall portions and the like. The horizontal stringersare then rigidly attached to the Vertical support members by means ofthe fasteners 41 to provide the rigid open framework of the presentinvention. Secondly, assuming that it is desired to erect a trimlesssignboard, the reversible bracket members 75 are then secured to theuppermost horizontal stringer in the position shown in FIGS. 7 and 9 ofthe drawings, and the skirt means 160 is mounted flush with theundersurface of Stringer 52 as seen in FIG. 7.

The panels are then mounted in operative position as illustrated in FIG.7 of the drawings. This provides the trimless signboard arrangementaccording to the present invention.

If it is then desiredto convert the trimless full-bleed signboard to astandard bulletin signboard with trim, the portable panels are firstremoved. The reversible bracket members secured to the uppermosthorizontal Stringer are then turned over and reversed into operativeposition shown in FIGS. 3 and 8 of the drawings. The skirt means is thenmounted in the lower position as seen in FIG. 3 of the drawings. Thevarious trim brackets are then mounted in operative position and thetrim members are mounted on the trim bracket members in sequence as seenin FIGS. 4 and 16 for example. The panel members are then replaced onthe structure, and the complete standard bulletin type signboard isprovided.

If it is desired -to convert the standard bulletin signboard to atrimless signboard, the portable panels are rst removed, and then theskirt means is detached from the framework. The trim and the trimbrackets are removed from the framework and the reversible bracketmembers are turned upside down into the position shown in FIGS. 7 and 9of the drawings. The skirt means is then again secured to the frameworkin the raised position shown in FIG. 7, and the portable panels areplaced in the operative position shown in FIG. 7.

It is apparent from the foregoing that there is provided a new and novelsignboard apparatus and method of assembly and disassembly wherein theequipment costs are substantially reduced by providing a basic frameworkstructure along with particular bracket means which may be attached toor detached therefrom for quickly converting 4the signboard from astandard bulletin trim type to a trimless full-bleed type. The laborcosts involved in handling such signboards are considerably reduced dueto the lightweight construction which permits easy handling andtransportation of the signboard components and further due to the factthat the posting of the panels may be done completely in a workshop.

The appearance of the complete trimless signboard is very modernisticand neat-looking, and the structure may be easily adapted for cutoutsand special-effect components. The signboard is quite simple andinexpensive in construction, and yet is sturdy and neat appearing whenin use.

The method of assembling the signboard is provided which permits thesignboard not only to be assembled but also to be disassembled in aquick and easy fashion. In addition, a novel method is provided fore'iciently changing from a standard bulletin trim type signboard to atrimless type signboard in a simple and effective manner.

As this invention may be embodied in several forms without departingfrom the spirit or essential characteristics thereof, the presentembodiment is therefore illustrative and not restrictive, and since thescope of the invention is defined by the appended claims, all changesthat fall within the metes and bounds of the claims or that form theirfunctional as well as conjointly cooperative equivalents are thereforeintended to be embraced by those claims.

I claim:

1. Signboard apparatus comprising a lightweight rigid framework, saidframework including means for supporting signboard panels thereon, saidframework also including locking portions for engaging and lockingsignboard panels in place relative thereto, and reversible bracket meansremovably attached to said framework, said reversible bracket meansbeing attached to an upper portion of the framework and defining alongone edge portion thereof a channel for receiving a portion of asignboard panel, said reversible bracket means including along anotheredge portion thereof a supporting lip adapted to engage the upper partof a signboard panel.

2. Signboard apparatus comprising a framework including rigidlyinterconnected substantially horizontal and vertical support members,said support members including portions for supporting and lockingsignboard panels thereon, and reversible bracket means detachablysecured to the uppermost of said horizontal members, said reversiblebracket means including a main body portion normally disposed in avertical plane, said reversible bracket means including a first channelportion extending to one side of the plane of said main body portion toreceive a signboard panel, said reversible bracket means including a lipportion extending to the opposite side of the plane of said body portionfor engaging a portion of a signboard panel.

3. Signboard apparatus comprising an open lightweight rigid frameworkcomprising a plurality of spaced vertical support members and spacedhorizontal support members, means detachably securing said vertical andhorizontal members together, trim bracket means adapted to be removablysecured to the outer portions of said framework for attaching. trimmeans to the framework, one of said horizontal members including meansfor supporting signboard panels thereon, another of said horizontalmembers including locking portions for locking the signboard panels inoperative position relative to the framework, and reversible bracketmeans detachably secured to an upper one of said horizontal members,said reversible bracket means including a channel portion adapted toreceive a signboard panel and a lip portion attached to engage asignboard panel depending on the operative position of the reversiblebracket means relative to the framework.

4. Signboard apparatus comprising an open lightweight frameworkcomprised of a plurality of horizontal stringers, means detachablysecuring said horizontal stringers to a plurality of spaced verticalsupport members, and trim brackets secured to the end portions of saidhorizontal stringers, upper trim brackets secured to an upper horizontalStringer and lower trim brackets secured to a lower horizontal Stringer,trim means attached to said trim brackets to provide a continuousperipheral trim about the framework, and reversible bracket meansdetachably secured to an upper horizontal Stringer, said reversiblebracket means including a channel portion extending along one edgethereof for receiving a signboard panel and including a lip extendingalong another edge thereof for engaging a portion of a panel, a lowerhorizontal Stringer including support means for supporting a signboardpanel thereon, and an intermediate horizontal Stringer including alocking portion for locking a signboard panel in operative position.

5. Signboard apparatus comprising a framework including a plurality ofspaced vertical support members, a plurality of spaced horizontalstringers, said horizontal stringers being of substantially channelshaped cross sectional confguration, means detachably securing saidhorizontal stringers to said vertical support members, a lowermosthorizontal Stringer including bottom rail portions for supportingsignboard panels thereon, an intermediate horizontal stringer includinglocking portions for locking signboard panels in place thereon, trimbracket means i adapted to be connected to-said horizontal stringersfadjacent the outer portions of the framework for supportingportions ofl the uppermost horizontal Stringer, said reversibleuppertbrackets each including a mainbody portion disposed in a plane,each of said reversible bracket means including av channelportionextending to one side of saidplrane, each of said reversiblebracketmeans also including a lip portion extending to the opposite sideof said plane, the channe1-portion being adapted to receive lanupper'portion ofa signboard panel in one operative position ofthereversible bracket means, and the lip por- Y tionbeing adapted vtoengage an upper portionof a signrboard panel when the reversible bracketmeans is in the reverse operative position.

cluding -locking'portions for locking signboard panels inoperativerelationship-'to the framework, end. trim bracket means secured to,Aendportions of said hori' zontalstringers, upper 4trim bracketV meanssecured to the uppermost horizontal Stringer andlower trim bracketYmeans Vsecured Yto the lowermost horizontal stringer, trim meanssupported by said trim bracket means to n ydelinea,continuousperipheraltrim for the signboard, lskirt meansdetachably secured 1to saidverticalzstringers, and reversible bracketfmeans detachablysecured tospaced ,trim means inplace relative to the framework, and -re- Yversible bracket means detachablysecured at two spaced portionsofthevuppermohst horizontal Stringer, said reversible bracket meansincluding aj channel. portion `formed along one edge Athereof forreceiving the upperportion of (a signboard-panel 'in one position of thereversible bracket Y1r1'ear`1s,-the reversiblebracket means alsoincludving a lip .portion formed. along lthe opposite edge thereoffor-engaging an upper portion vof a `signboard panel in t the reverseoperative position of the reversible bracket means.v K

7.fApparatus-as defined in` clairnt including a wedge means, said wedgemeans engaging a portion of one of said end Ytrim bracket means andbeing adapted to en- V`gage anradjacent side lpo'rtionlol a signboardpanel such that vertical-'movement ofrthe ,Wedgelmeans relative to theframework produces a camming action tending to maintain the associatedsignboard 'panels' in abutting edge-to-edge relationship withoneanother.

lReferences Cited bythe Examiner UNITED STATES 'PATENTS y957,259 V5/10.,Rubyv ---i 404-125 v`1,130,844 3/15 Ruby --.4o- 125 1,886,899` 11/32overhoitz v 40-125 JEROME SCHN'ALL, Primary Examiner. E. V. BENHAM,Examiner".

1. SIGNBOARD APPARATUS COMPRISING A LIGHTWEIGHT RIGID FRAMEWORK, SAIDFRAMEWORK INCLUDING MEANS FOR SUPPORTING SIGNBOARD PANELS THEREON, SAIDFRAMEWORK ALSO INCLUDING LOCKING PORTIONS FOR ENGAGING SAID LOCKINGSIGNBOARD PANELS IN PLACE RELATIVE THERETO, AND REVERSIBLE BRACKET MEANSREMOVABLY ATTACHED TO SAID FRAMEWORK, AND REVERSIBLE BRACKET MEANS BEINGATTACHED TO AN UPPER PORTION OF THE FRAMEWORK AND DEFINING ALONG ONEEDGE PORTION THEREOF A CHANNEL FOR RECEIVING A PORTION OF A SIGNBOARDPANEL, SAID REVERSIBLE BRACKET MEANS INCLUDING ALONG ANOTHER EDGEPORTION THEREOF A SUPPORTING LIP ADAPTED TO ENGAGE THE UPPER PART OF ASIGNBOARD PANEL.